Ganga Sagar Snan
Ganga Sagar Snan,
also famous as ‘Ganga Sagar Mela’ or ‘Ganga Sagar Yatra’ is a significant
gathering of the Hindu pilgrims during the auspicious time of ‘Makar
Sankranti’. It is an annual observance that takes place at the Sagar Island or
‘Sagardweep’ in the state of West Bengal. Hindu devotees in thousands of number
gather at this place to take a holy dip in Ganga River before She merges in the
Bay of Bengal. During the Ganga Sagar Snan, a biggest fair is organized that
fetches devotees from each and every corner of the country. The Ganga Sagar
fair starts few days before and ends one day after Sankranti.
Ganga Sagar Snan
is a very religious and important ritual for Hindu devotees. This festival is
celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal in the culturally rich state of
Bengal. Ganga Sagar Snan is only done during Makar Sankranti (an astrological
event that marks the transition of Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn Zodiac
sign) and falls on the 14th of January, every year. On this day, devotees from
various parts of the country and abroad, come to take a dip in holy water of
Ganges. It is believed that by performing this ritualistic bath, all the sins
of the person will be washed away. Ganga Sagar Snan is observed with great
fanfare all over the country. The festivities may vary from region to region,
but the spirit of this festival remains unchanged.
Significance
of Ganga Sagar Snan:
Ganga Sagar Snan is one of the most important annual
events for people of Hindu community. This day is dedicated to worshipping
Goddess Ganga and Sun God. The observance of Ganga Sagar Snan on the day of
Makar Sankranti also holds a special relevance. Makar Sankranti is an
auspicious day in the Hindu calendar that is dedicated to worshipping Lord
Surya. On this particular day, Sun transits to Capricorn from Sagittarius and
it marks as the beginning of the good times in the Hindu culture, when all
auspicious activities can be performed. According to the Hindu legends it is
believed that one who perform the sacred Ganga Sagar Snan will be pardoned for
all sins and in the end attain ‘moksha’ or salvation.
Rituals
during Ganga Sagar Snan:
- Hindu devotees gather at
around 3am on the day of Ganga Sagar Snan to perform the worshipping
ceremony of legendary Kapil Muni. After the completion of Kapila puja, the
Yagna and Maha Puja are performed.
- On the day of Ganga
Sagar Snan, devotees get up very early to take the holy dip at the time of
sunrise. They offer ‘arghya’ to the rising Sun and offer prayers to Sun
God. While taking the holy dip, devotees express their gratitude towards
Goddess Ganga and pray for Her divine blessings.
- Devotees also keep a
strict fast on the day of Ganga Sagar Snan and abstain from eating or
drinking anything till the time of completion of puja rituals.
- After completing the
Ganga Snan rituals, devotees also visit the Kapilmuni Temple, located
nearby. It is a unique and one-of-its-kind temple in India that is
dedicated to Saint Kapil
2017 Date : 14th January.
Post a Comment